Independence Charter School

Mission

“Independence Charter School will foster equity and excellence in learning by embracing global citizenship, bilingual education, rigorous academics, and creative expression through the arts.”

K-8

Grades Served

January 27, 2020

Application Deadline

Citywide

Enrollment Type

Academic Highlights

Social Studies
ICS offers an integrated Social Studies curriculum based on the OxFam International principals of global citizenship. Each grade examines an overarching essential question using American history, country studies, special events, field trips, and hands-on projects that bring learning to life. All 7th and 8th graders participate in the National History Day program each year.

Language Learning

ICS offers Spanish language instruction, both through a Spanish Immersion model (where students are taught in Spanish in major subject areas for the majority of their school day) and traditional Spanish language classes, depending on the grade level and program. We encourage prospective families to take a tour to learn more about our Spanish language programs.

Middle School Signature Trips

In middle school (grades 5-8) students take signature trips to enhance their curriculum and support team building. 5th graders go on a two-night camping trip to Camp Onas, 6th graders take a canoeing trip and visit a number of state parks, 7th graders travel to the Heifer International Village in Maryland for an overnight trip, and 8th graders participate in Outward Bound, visit Island Beach State Park, and take college tours. Additionally, 7th graders who qualify have the opportunity to travel to Colombia, Ecuador, or Guatemala for a full week of service-learning through our unique Take Flight travel program.

Extracurricular Activities

Beginning in 3rd grade, ICS offers a number of after school clubs to students (with the variety of available options expanding as students get older). Current examples include: Basketball, Girls Club, Model UN, Violin, Odyssey of the Mind, Musical Theater, Students Run Philly Style, Reading Olympics, Jefferson STEM Academy, Robotics, Soccer. We are also a 21st Century Community Learning Center.

Reports

Annual Charter Evaluation (ACE)Developed annually by the Charter Schools Office (CSO) for all Philadelphia brick-and-mortar charter schools (except those up for renewal), these reports provide information on three main areas of charter school performance: academic success, organizational compliance and viability, and financial health and sustainability.2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015

NoticesNotices of Deficiency are issued to schools regarding significant instances of non-compliance or poor performance that may affect student well-being or access. Notices of Deficiency clarify actions schools must take in order to resolve the deficiency.2016 Status: Resolved

Annual Independent Financial AuditsFinancial audits are produced annually by independent auditors for all charter schools in Pennsylvania. All charter schools are required to have an independent financial audit completed every year.2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014

School Performance Profile (SPP)Developed annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), these reports provide an overview of student academic performance in every Pennsylvania public school, including traditional District schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools, and career and technology centers. 2016-2017

School Progress Report (SPR)Developed annually by the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) for all traditional District and charter schools in the city, these reports provide information on schools’ achievement, progress, climate, and, for high schools, college and career readiness.2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015 | 2013-2014